Meet Shivaun
Experienced Health Coach, Accredited Practising Dietitian,
Accredited Nutritionist, and University of Sydney Honours
graduate (B. Science (Nutrition & Dietetics))
Shivaun Conn
Shivaun Conn is a Health Coach, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Accredited Nutritionist (AN), University of Sydney graduate (Bachelor of Science (Nutrition & Dietetics) Honours) and a board member of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM).
Shivaun has 17 years experience as a dietitian, health coach and presenter and continues to support people nationwide to achieve their desired health outcomes. She loves inspiring people to embrace a healthy active lifestyle, enjoy nutritious foods, feel happier and get the most out of their lives.
Shivaun’s friendly nature, and desire to make the science of health and behaviour change entertaining, means your journey will be one where you learn a lot about yourself whilst laughing along the way!
“My passion is to support people to be the best they can be – happy, healthy and enjoying what life has to offer!’
Years of experience and a passion for behaviour change has also led Shivaun to develop and lead nutrition programs for the fitness industry, GPs and allied health, and families in her local community.
In 2014/15 she co-authored the ‘Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association’s Eating Plan for People and Planet’ and the Australian Institute of Fitness’s course ‘Nutrition Coach’.
Shivaun is currently the Australian Institute of Fitness’s National Nutrition Spokesperson and delivers their Nutrition Coach course.
She has also presented at health conferences and workshops around Australia including:
Reinvigorate Your Practice and Passion
CPD Workshop (2017)
Reinvigorate Your Practice and Passion
CPD Workshop (2016)
‘Border to Bay’ Eduventure Walk:
Physician Heal-thy Self (2015)
ELLE Magazine’s ‘The Morning of Little Life
Changing ideas’ (2015) – ‘Health Goals That Stick’
FILEX (2015)
‘Positively Influence Clients’ Nutrition Choices’
‘Live Long and Prosper’, ‘Eat Right for Every Stage of Life’
Network Intensive Training Summit (2014)
‘Nutrition for Each Stage of Life’
North Sydney Medicare Local Mini Conference Series (2014) – ‘Health Behaviour Change – Cardiometabolic interventions’
Laneway Learning Sydney (2014/15) – ‘Brain Food: Mood and Function’, ‘Reframe You: Break Bad Health Habits’
Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association Conference (2013) – ‘Health Coaching’
Hunter Breast Cancer Forum (2013) – ‘An Anti-Inflammatory Eating Plan for People and the Planet’
Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association Conference (2012) – ‘An Anti-Inflammatory Eating Plan for People and the Planet’
Chronic Claims Conference (2008) – ‘Making a Success of Workplace Health Promotion – a Step by Step Guide’
Sydney Safety Conference (2008) – ‘Workplace Health Promotion’
Sydney Safety Conference (2007) – ‘Business in the Future – Strategic Health Promotion’
NSW Minerals Mining OHS Conference (2007) – Workplace Health Promotion – Creating a Supportive Environment for Change’
QLD Resources Mining Safety Conference (2006) – “Health and Wellness Promotion in Blue Collar Industries…Creating a Supportive Environment for Change’
WA Safety Conference (2005) – “Evidence Shows Workplace Health Promotion Works – But How Do You Get Your Employees to Attend?’
Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD)
As an Accredited Practising Dietitian and member of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) since 2004, Shivaun completed her University graduate studies in Nutrition & Dietetics (with Honours) in 2002, and continues her status as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). This allows Shivaun to be recognised by the Federal Government and fully-insured.
Accredited Practising Dietitian is the only credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. Many nutrition professionals, no matter their level of training, refer to themselves as either a ‘Nutritionist’ or a ‘Dietitian’. These terms are not regulated by government and there is no legal protection. This situation opens the possibility for misinformation to the public.
Unfortunately in Australia at present, anyone can call themselves a “Health Expert” however there is no regulation for safety of their practice. Non-accredited and inexperienced “Experts” can potentially endanger their clients with unsupported, incorrect and dangerous advice. Always ask to see your health professionals credentials and accreditations.
Find Shivaun on the DAA’s database here.
Accredited Nutritionist (AN)
Shivaun is also an Accredited Nutritionist (AN). The Accredited Nutritionist program provides registration for Nutritionists with suitable tertiary education and expertise in public health nutrition, community health and general nutrition education. ANs are different to APDs as they are not qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy. ANs without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a Dietitian. APDs however are able to take on the role of a nutritionist.
To maintain AN status, nutrition and dietetic professionals are required to undertake a specified level of continuing education and professional development to ensure currency of practice. AN status is reviewed annually by the DAA.
‘Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)’ is the only credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.
Shivaun’s Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) with Honours [University of Sydney, 2002]
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40110) [2015-16]
Advanced Practitioner Workshop in Motivational Interviewing [Dr William R. Miller, 2015] Two day seminar workshop delivered by Dr Miller, whom introduced the concept of motivational interviewing and has devoted over 40 years to refining the MI process.
NAT Course in Aboriginal Cultural Education 10213 [TAFE NSW, 2014]
Motivational Interviewing 3 Day Workshop [University of Sydney, 2013]
‘Motivational Interviewing for enhancing Change’ – Workshops delivered by Dr Kate Russell
Health Coaching for Health Professionals [HCA, 2010/2011]
Shivaun is currently the Vice President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.
Associations & Community
Board-member of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM)
Shivaun is a board member and Vice President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) and has been an active member since 2010.
The Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM), formerly known as Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association (ALMA), is part of a new wave in public health and clinical focus for health professionals. Lifestyle medicine bridges the gap between health promotion and conventional medicine. It involves a range of health professionals working as a team to prevent, manage and treat the ~70% of modern health problems which have a lifestyle-based cause.
Find out more about ASLM at www.lifestylemedicine.org.au.
Australian Institute of Fitness ‘Nutrition Coach’ Instructor
In 2014/15 Shivaun co-authored the Australian Institute of Fitness Nutrition Coach course, is currently the National Nutrition Spokesperson and a Guest Coach.
The Institute’s Nutrition Coach course has been designed to empower fitness professionals to be better equipped to provide current nutrition information to clients within their scope of practice. Using the latest evidence-based principles, students will learn nutrition for optimal health at every age, for weight management, and for performance and muscle growth.
There is a major focus on motivational coaching skills to better empower the client to make great nutrition choices within a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Find out more at www.fitness.edu.au/course/nutrition-coach/.
Go4Fun Nutrition Leader (NSW Government Health Program)
Shivaun has been a Go4Fun Nutrition Leader in various regions throughout Sydney since 2011.
Go4Fun is a free healthy living program for kids above a healthy weight, running in NSW since 2009. This fun and interactive program helps children aged between 7 and 13 and their families, adopt a long-lasting healthy lifestyle. The program focuses on improving eating habits, fitness, teamwork, and overall health.
Go4Fun programs are led by qualified health professionals and take place after school, running parallel with school terms. Children and their families become fitter, healthier and happier as they have fun, meet new friends and learn new skills.
Find out more at www.go4fun.com.au.
